This vase is a part of garniture of five porcelains that conforms to the standard eighteenth-century ideal in comprising three identical covered jars and two identical beaker vases.1 These sets were extremely popular in Europe as mantel decorations from the early eighteenth century onward. The vessels of this group share a mottled rose red ground that was blown onto the surface, probably through a tube with gauze stretched over one end. Isolated against this are medallions and cartouches in the form of leaves, fans, and scrolls. These have been covered with a transparent glaze in reserve and are painted with landscapes, birds, and flowers in opaque famille rose enamels. The colors include lavender, pink, white, black, turquoise, green, and metallic gold. Elsewhere on the surface are isolated chrysanthemums. Around the neck and shoulder of the vase are diaper bands with cartouches containing floral sprays.

(Text by Stephen Little, published in the NGA Systematic Catalogue: Decorative Arts, Part II: Far Eastern Ceramics and Paintings; Persian and Indian Rugs and Carpets)